In 2025, Iowa continues to allow drivers to make right turns on red lights under specific conditions, but the rule comes with important stipulations aimed at ensuring safety and preventing accidents. Understanding the nuances of this traffic regulation is essential for motorists across the state.
Right Turn on Red: What the Law Says
Under Iowa Code Section 321.257, drivers are permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless otherwise prohibited by signage.
The law requires drivers to stop at the marked stop line, before entering the crosswalk or intersection, and then cautiously proceed if the turn does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. This regulation applies to intersections where no “No Turn on Red” signs are posted.
Key Requirements
- Complete Stop: Drivers must fully stop behind the white line before turning. Rolling stops are considered violations.
- Yielding: Motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and other vehicles already traveling in the lane they wish to enter.
- Prohibited Turns: Right turns on red are explicitly banned at intersections where signage indicates “No Turn on Red.” Cities like Pella have designated specific intersections where such turns are disallowed.
Safety Concerns and Liability
The rule allowing right turns on red has been scrutinized due to its potential risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Iowa law emphasizes that any turn must be executed cautiously and without endangering others. If a driver makes an unsafe turn—such as failing to yield or ignoring signage—they may be held liable for accidents that occur.
Liability in Accidents
- Drivers who fail to follow proper procedures for stopping or yielding can be deemed negligent.
- Pedestrians or cyclists who unlawfully enter intersections may share liability in accidents caused by their actions.
Recent Updates and Trends
While Iowa maintains its permissive stance on right turns on red, growing concerns about pedestrian safety have led some cities across the U.S., including San Francisco and Washington D.C., to ban such turns in congested areas. These bans aim to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths, which have reached alarming levels nationwide.
Although Iowa has not implemented statewide restrictions, local jurisdictions may impose additional limitations based on traffic patterns and safety concerns.
Practical Tips for Drivers
To avoid violations or accidents when making a right turn on red:
- Always come to a full stop before proceeding.
- Check for “No Turn on Red” signs at intersections.
- Yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles already in motion.
- Proceed cautiously and ensure the turn does not disrupt traffic flow.
The right turn on red rule in Iowa provides flexibility for drivers but comes with clear responsibilities. Motorists must prioritize safety by adhering to stop-and-yield requirements while respecting local restrictions where turns are prohibited. As cities nationwide reconsider this rule in response to rising pedestrian fatalities, Iowa drivers should stay informed about potential updates or changes at both state and local levels.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.311.pdf
[2] https://jsberrylaw.com/faqs/iowa-road-laws-liability-in-right-turn-auto-accidents/
[3] https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2024-06-10/more-cities-are-banning-right-turns-on-red-in-response-to-rising-pedestrian-deaths
[4] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/pella/latest/pella_ia/0-0-0-1707
[5] https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.257.pdf
